Bhubaneswar: Expressing concern over media reports about original stone carvings being replaced with plain stones in Konark Sun Temple, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has requested Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma for a probe into the matter.
The Chief Minister also urged him to direct the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to take proper steps for preservation and conservation of the world heritage monument.
“It has been mentioned in the newspaper report that 40% of the artistic stone carvings of the existing Konark Sun temple have been replaced by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) with plain stones. The report is a matter of worry and concern for all of us. I have a feeling that the temple deserves more attention from the ASI than what it has got,” he wrote on Saturday.
Stating that only the front temple Jagamohana (front temple) remains, Naveen said 13th century temple represents the climax of Odishan temple architecture and symbolizes Odia pride.
“The ASI needs to focus more on proper conservation of Konark Sun temple and its art and aesthetic value,” he added.
Embellished with sophisticated and refined iconographical depictions of contemporary life and activities, the temple representing the chariot of Sun God is a World Heritage site and a major attraction for foreign tourists in Odisha.
